South Carolina

Slave Narrative of Anne Rice

In an interview with G. Leland Summer, Anne Rice recounts her experiences as the child of enslaved parents in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. She describes life on the Posey farm, where hard labor in the fields was common, and care was taken by the master’s wife. Rice mentions the pain of separation among families, as well as traditional remedies for illness. After the Civil War, she remained with the Poseys, ultimately working as a wash-woman. Rice reflects on church, family, and her lack of formal education.

Slave Narrative of William Rose

In an interview, William Rose recounts his memories of witnessing a troop train passing through Ashepoo Junction during the Civil War. As a young boy, he observed soldiers, full of life and laughter, traveling to battle, seemingly unafraid of death. They sang and joked, with one proclaiming they would “eat dinner in hell,” illustrating their acceptance of fate. Rose’s reflections on their bravery highlight a stark contrast between the soldiers’ exuberance and the grim reality they faced, leaving a lasting impression on him.

Slave Narrative of Ellen Renwick

In an interview with Ellen Renwick, she recounts her life as a slave born on Capt. John P. Kinard’s plantation in Newberry, South Carolina. Ellen describes her parents, Lucy and Eph Kinard, and notes that her master was relatively kind, though she experienced some punishment. She recalled her childhood chores, cooking over a fireplace, and the transition to freedom after the Civil War. Ellen married Tom Renwick and mentioned their church activities and lack of education for enslaved people.

Slave Narrative of Lila Rutherford

Lila Rutherford, born around 1849 in Dutch Fork, South Carolina, recounted her experiences as a slave under Ivey Suber. She served as a nurse and was treated well, receiving ample food and clothing. Despite no formal education or church for slaves, she felt grateful for her master’s care. Rutherford noted the social aspects of plantation life, such as communal gatherings and work on personal gardens. After emancipation, she remained on the plantation while her family moved away. She expressed positive sentiments about Abraham Lincoln and Jeff Davis.

Slave Narrative of Frank Range

Frank Range, a 103-year-old resident of Greenville, South Carolina, recounts his experiences as a child of enslaved parents and his role during the Civil War. Born on a plantation, he was taken to war as a cook and helped rescue his master during a bombardment. After the war, he moved to Greenville, where he shares his life stories with enthusiasm. Range attributes his longevity to a healthy lifestyle, free from alcohol, tobacco, and conflict, and currently receives a modest state pension.

Slave Narrative of Rosa Starke

Rosa Starke, born in 1854, recounts her life as a former enslaved person in South Carolina. She describes her family’s history, including her grandfather’s bondage to Solicitor Starke and her experiences on the Graham and Melrose plantations. Rosa details the hierarchical structure among slaves, the wealth of her owners, and the devastation caused by the Union army during the Civil War. After emancipation, she married twice, ultimately choosing to live independently with her children, while reflecting on her past and the societal changes she witnessed.

Slave Narrative of Susie Riser

In a 1937 interview, Susie Riser recounts her life as a slave under Cage Suber in Dutch Fork, South Carolina. She describes her upbringing, working in the house until old enough for fieldwork, and her duties, such as fanning flies for her master. Riser recalls community events like cotton-pickings and quilting gatherings, where food was plentiful. She mentions marrying John Riser and eventually moving to town. Her narrative reflects the complexities of her existence during slavery and the social interactions within that period.

Slave Narrative of Mom Jessie Sparrow

In a May 1937 interview, 83-year-old Jessie Sparrow recounts her experiences as a child in Marion, South Carolina. She describes her life under Massa Sam Stevenson, detailing the pampered upbringing and responsibilities of the household. Her mother, Sally, worked as a house girl and seamstress, while Jessie reminisces about caring for the white children, particularly enjoying dressing up baby girls. Despite her fond memories, Jessie acknowledges her current inability to care for children, reflecting on her quieter life today.

Slave Narrative of Silas Smith

In an interview conducted on November 12, 1937, Silas Smith reflects on his life as a slave and the complexities of newfound freedom after the Civil War. He recounts his uncertainty about his birth date, indicating that such details were insignificant to him. Following the announcement of emancipation, Smith describes a mix of emotions among the enslaved, revealing a deep attachment to their masters. Despite the challenges of freedom, he chose to remain with his former mistress, Miss Sallie, until her death. Smith then lived with his father on a nearby plantation.

Slave Narrative of Mary Scott

Mary Scott, a 90-year-old ex-slave from Gourdin, South Carolina, shared her experiences of enslavement during an interview. Born on the Gaston Gamble plantation, she recalled her family’s separation and the lack of personal freedom. Life involved hard work, limited possessions, and reliance on the master for sustenance. Although some slaves were punished, she minimized her exposure to such violence. Scott expressed a preference for the structured life of slavery over her current situation and identified with her church as a source of community strength.

Slave Narrative of Ellen Swindler

Ellen Swindler was born by the Enoree River in Newberry County, South Carolina. She described her life as a slave under master Tom Price, detailing the hard labor she and her siblings performed from childhood. Swindler recounted her modest wedding to Nathan Swindler and limited clothing and education during her youth. She shared about the infrequent joys and traditions, such as Christmas treats and home remedies for sickness. Swindler expressed her admiration for historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Booker T. Washington, noting her preference for the present over her past.

Slave Narrative of Joe Rutherford

Joe Rutherford, born around 1846, recounts his experiences as an enslaved person in Newberry, South Carolina. He worked on Morris Island for Dr. Thomas Rutherford and his brother, Ros Atwood. He began fieldwork at age 13 without payment but had access to hunting and fishing. Education was minimal, with some informal learning. After the Civil War, he and others were informed of their freedom by overseers. Rutherford married twice, had 13 children, and faced challenges during the Ku Klux Klan era. He joined the church later in life.

Slave Narrative of Prince Smith

In an interview conducted by Augusta Ladson, Prince Smith, a centenarian from Wardmalaw Island, recounted his experiences of slavery. He described his early life under a kind master who provided good treatment, allowing slaves autonomy in planting and raising animals. Smith shared insights on daily work tasks, rations, and punishments faced by disobedient slaves. He emphasized the benevolence of his master, who ensured that his slaves did not go hungry and had opportunities to engage in religious gatherings, contrasting his experience with harsher realities faced elsewhere.

Slave Narrative of Dan Smith

Dan Smith, born January 11, 1862, in Richland County, South Carolina, shared his experiences of slavery and family life during an interview with W. W. Dixon. He grew up on a plantation owned by John Lever, with his mother working as a weaver. Smith recalls his childhood, the challenges his family faced, and the transition to freedom. Now 75, he lives in Winnsboro, continues to work in construction, and expresses a desire for equitable pension treatment, reflecting on the disparity between his life and that of wealthier individuals.

Slave Narrative of Mary Raines

Mary Raines, a 99-year-old former slave residing in South Carolina, is the oldest person in Fairfield County. Living with her daughter and son, she receives a county pension of $5 monthly. Mary reminisces about her past, expressing pride in her strength as a young girl working in the fields and caring for others. She shares vivid memories of her family and the dynamics of life as a slave. Her deep faith is evident as she anticipates a joyful afterlife, though she experiences moments of sorrow in her old age.

South Carolina Civil War Rosters – 2nd Regiment, Company A.

The post lists the personnel of the 2nd Regiment, Company A from South Carolina during the Civil War, detailing the ranks of officers, sergeants, corporals, and privates. Key positions include captains such as W.H. Casson and M.A. Shelton, alongside a first lieutenant, several second lieutenants, and numerous privates. This enumeration reflects the diverse makeup of the company, highlighting the individuals who served in various capacities within the regiment.

South Carolina Civil War Rosters – 7th Regiment, Company L.

This post details the leadership and composition of the 7th Regiment, Company L of South Carolina during the Civil War. It lists the captains, lieutenants, sergeants, a corporal, and numerous privates who served in this unit. Key figures include Captains W.C. White and J.L. Litchfield, along with multiple lieutenants and a diverse group of privates with various surnames. This information is essential for understanding the personnel structure and hierarchy within this regiment.

South Carolina Civil War Rosters – 3rd Battalion, Company G.

The post lists the officers and enlisted men of the 3rd Battalion, Company G of South Carolina during the Civil War. It details the ranks of captains, lieutenants, sergeants, corporals, and privates, providing names for each category. Notable figures include Captains A.P. Irby and B.M. Whitner among the leadership, while a wide array of soldiers served in various capacities within the battalion. The detailed roster serves as an important historical record of the unit’s personnel.

South Carolina Civil War Rosters – 3rd Regiment, Field and Staff.

The post lists the officers of the 3rd Regiment from South Carolina during the Civil War. Key figures include Colonels James H. Williams, James D. Nance, and W.D. Rutherford, along with Lieutenant Colonels B.B. Foster and B.C. Garlington. The ranks also feature several Majors, Adjutants, Quartermasters, Commissaries, Surgeons, and Assistant Surgeons, highlighting the regiment’s command structure and medical personnel. This roster reflects the organizational makeup essential for managing military operations and providing medical support during the conflict.

South Carolina Civil War Rosters – 8th Regiment, Company I.

The post provides a detailed roster of the 8th Regiment, Company I, of South Carolina during the Civil War, listing ranks from captains to privates. Key leaders include Captains E.T. Stackhouse and A.T. Harllee, along with several lieutenants, sergeants, corporals, and an extensive list of privates. This roster reflects the structured hierarchy and the individuals who served within this particular company, contributing to South Carolina’s Civil War efforts.